Karla Vasquez was 16 when she was shot and killed in a downtown Indianapolis hotel room in the early hours of November 21, 2020. What began as a birthday gathering among friends on the 20th floor of the JW Marriott turned deadly after one guest’s sister invited her brother and his friends to join. A 17-year-old male who brought a handgun into the room reportedly picked up the weapon while Vasquez was sleeping; witnesses say there was no argument beforehand and a friend heard a gun being cocked before the room filled with smoke. Vasquez died from a single gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 1 a.m.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police reviewed footage and witness statements and took the 17-year-old into custody later that morning on a preliminary charge of reckless homicide. He told investigators the gun discharged accidentally. The case went through juvenile court; in June 2021 the court found the allegations true and ordered commitment to the Department of Correction until the youth’s 21st birthday. Friends and family remembered Karla as determined and caring, with plans to graduate early and become a nail technician and beauty specialist.

Did anyone at the hotel or nearby see the group entering or leaving that night, or have information about the events on the 20th floor?